World Footy News

The New Zealand AFL have announced that the Melbourne Demons will be their host for the 2005 International Cup.

The Falcons will stay at the Punt Hill Apartments in the heart of Melbourne and enjoy full access to the Demons' training facilities, including their gym and Junction Oval. Melbourne's trainers and medical staff will also be on hand to help with the Falcons' preparation.

NZ Coach Jim Lucy said that the arrangement with Melbourne is another step towards the team being as prepared as possible for the International Cup. "We have and will continue to have a professional preparation for the tournament and to be looked after by a great Victorian-based AFL club is fantastic. It will round off our build-up nicely. We are very grateful to the Demons, CEO Steve Harris, Senior Coach Neale Daniher and Football Manager Chris Fagan for their offer of hospitality."

"The eleven other countries competing have all indicated how serious this tournament is, and to stay in front of the pack we must prepare methodically to give our team the best chance of winning the Cup".

The team start its campaign on Wednesday, 3rd August against the British who will be coached by former Adelaide Crows player Matt Connell. Other nations in the Falcons' group include Canada, Spain, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Further information on the Falcons' preparation, including a full squad list, is available at the NZAFL website.